New York City – Shopping Guide

With one-of-a-kind stores around almost every turn, New York City is the undisputed shopping capital of the world. Yep, that’s right. Move over, Milan! Push off, Paris!

Obviously, you’d be remiss not to unleash your inner shopaholic during a trip to the Big Apple, but with so many stores all around the city, where should you even start?

Well, to make things easy, we’ve put together this list of some of the most unique shopping experiences New York City has to offer. Browse them all or peruse just a few; either way, you’re in store for a shopping spree to remember.

Macy’s Herald Square

At 1,250,000 square feet, the iconic Macy’s Herald Square in Midtown Manhattan is both the world’s largest Macy’s and the second-largest department store in the world. It’s also a bona fide Big Apple landmark, having opened its doors more than a century ago back in 1902.

Being that Macy’s Herald Square is so big, you better believe that it has more of a selection than the Macy’s at your local mall. It’s got something for everyone, with departments ranging from clothing, cookware, and candy to fragrances, furniture, and furs.

If you’re in the city during Christmastime, you can enjoy the added bonus of seeing the store’s world-famous window displays. These intricately decorated displays are one of New York City’s most beloved and enduring holiday traditions, with visitors coming from far and wide to see them each year.

Westfield World Trade Center

Now we go from one of the oldest shopping centers in New York City to one of the newest: Westfield World Trade Center. It opened in 2016, replacing the Mall at the World Trade Center, which was destroyed on September 11, 2001.

The exterior of Westfield World Trade Center is marked by the Oculus, a structure designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. Caltrava’s original design for the Oculus was meant to evoke “a bird being released from a child’s hand.” However, due to security concerns, as well as budget and space constraints, the outside of the Oculus turned out differently than planned. What it’s supposed to look like now is anyone’s guess.

Upon entering the Oculus, you’ll find yourself in a mall unlike any other. It’s reminiscent of a futuristic cathedral, with stark white architecture and a soaring ceiling ribbed with windows. All that’s missing is a pipe organ.

As unique as Westfield World Trade Center looks, though, the selection of stores and eateries there is pretty much par for the course. An Apple Store, Forever 21, H&M, Lacoste, and Sephora all call the mall home, along with more than 60 other retailers. Dining options include Chick-fil-A, Dunkin Donuts, Shake Shack, Starbucks, Wetzel’s Pretzels, and more.

Chelsea Market

Chelsea Market is a food hall that’s home to a variety of vendors. It’s pretty much a foodie’s dream come true. Whatever you’re in the mood for, there’s a good chance you can find it there.

When you arrive, you’ll notice that Chelsea Market has an industrial look to it. That’s because it used to be a factory back in the day. Not just any factory, mind you, but the National Biscuit Company complex. You might know them better as Nabisco, the makers of Chips Ahoy!, Ritz Crackers, Triscuits, and more. Oreo cookies, another Nabisco product, were actually invented at the factory back in 1912.

But enough with the history lesson. Here’s a list of some of the most popular purveyors at Chelsea Market: Lobster Place, Los Tacos No. 1, Miznon, and Very Fresh Noodles. Make sure your visit to Chelsea Market includes a stop at at least one of them. And as you eat your way through Chelsea Market, do a bit of shopping at stores like Anthropologie and Posman Books.

MoMA Design Store

The MoMA Design Store isn’t your average museum gift shop. Like the Museum of Modern Art, the MoMA Design Store is always on the cutting edge. It’s practically a museum all its own. That’s because every product sold at the MoMA Design Store has to pass through a rigorous two-step selection process. As you could imagine, that leads to them having a store full of cool finds.

Their wide array of items includes everything from a butter knife white a built-in grater to an elegantly designed rowing machine. Whatever you decide to buy, you can feel good about your purchase knowing that it goes to support MoMA’s educational programs.

The Shop at NBC Studios

If you’re an NBC junkie, a stop at The Shop at NBC Studios is a must while you’re in New York City. This one-stop shop for all things NBC is fittingly located on the lobby level of 30 Rock, the historic skyscraper that has served as the network’s headquarters since 1933.

The Shop at NBC Studios features exclusive merchandise for shows new and old, including The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Saturday Night Live, Friends, Seinfeld, and The Office. Now you can finally get that Dwight Schrute bobblehead you’ve always wanted.

That’s not all, though. You can also have your picture taken at the desk from Today, and if you’re lucky, maybe meet someone famous! For information on upcoming events, such as meet and greets, check their Facebook page.

Dylan’s Candy Bar

Got a sweet tooth? Then you’ve got to go to Dylan’s Candy Bar. This sweet superstore was opened in 2001 by Dylan Lauren, daughter of fashion designer Ralph Lauren. Since then it’s become a popular stop for people visiting New York City, including celebrities like Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Katie Holmes and her daughter, Suri, Janet Jackson, and Madonna.

The inspiration behind Dylan’s Candy Bar was none other than the classic 1971 film, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. The store is like Wonka’s factory come to life, with giant candy-shaped decorations and an unparalleled selection of more than 7,000 confections. In addition to sweet treats, Dylan’s Candy Bar also sells candy-inspired lifestyle products.

In 2008, a third floor was added to the store. This boosted its square footage from 10,000 to 15,000, making it the largest candy store in the world. On the third floor you’ll find a cafe serving soda fountain favorites, more than 100 ice cream and frozen yogurt flavors, 18 kinds of Belgian hot chocolate, and more.

Midtown Comics

As the fictional home of superheroes like Spider-Man and Captain America, as well as the real-life home of Marvel Comics, New York City is synonymous with comic books. As such, it’s only fitting that New York City is also home to the largest comic book store in the U.S., Midtown Comics.

There are three Midtown Comics stores around Manhattan. The original one, which opened back in 1997, is located in the bustling heart of Times Square. This is also the largest of the three stores and the one most worth visiting. The other two stores still offer a pretty sizable selection, though. One is located on Lexington Avenue near Grand Central Terminal. The other is on Fulton Street in the Financial District.